Are you the type of traveller that just likes to ‘get there’? Honestly, that’s me. Contrary to the common saying of many frequent flyers, my own mantra is usually ‘why connect if you can fly direct?’. But when it comes to Doha, I’m a little more flexible.
Sure, if you’re in a rush to get from Australia to Europe, you can book a swift transit and get there ASAP. But if you’re not pressed for time, why fly all the way from Australia to Qatar, only to see nothing of Qatar? You’re already here; the city is a short drive down the road. Go on… take some time to stretch your legs and explore.
Better yet, spend a night or two. Doha is the perfect size for a short stopover. Most attractions are close to each other, so you can quickly cover ground. And with Virgin Australia’s new ‘wet lease’ flights joining Qatar Airways’ existing services, it’s now a little easier to fly in and fly out at the time that suits you best.
As for me, I’ve been to Qatar a few times before. But these earlier visits were shorter, and things weren’t as easy as they are now. Australians needed a visa. Finding your Uber at the airport was a challenge. Heck, locating a taxi that accepted credit cards wasn’t straightforward either.
Add to that, Qatar wasn’t included under many international mobile roaming agreements, and eSIMs weren’t really a thing. To even call that Uber or find your way around with Google Maps, you needed a local SIM card. And if you only had a day transit anyway, you had to really want to see the country to find the energy to navigate many of the practical hassles.
But now, there’s no visa needed. And if you’ve been to Qatar at least once on the same Aussie passport, you can now use Qatar’s automated passport lanes to speed things up as well. Uber is everywhere, and every taxi in the country takes credit card. Plus, roaming in Qatar is now a breeze with most of the major Australian providers. Translation: you don’t need to think. You can just turn up and do your thing. It’s simple.
This time, rather than a quick flight through, I have a couple of days to settle in and explore. Whether your own journey finds you aboard VA1 from Sydney, or any other flight into Doha, here’s some inspiration for your own stopover with five things to make time for.
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1. Relax at the InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa
Sitting right on the water, this InterCon is worth the quick drive from Doha’s central sights. Its spacious rooms offer the perfect platform to relax and doze after the long journey from Australia. And if you wake up unsure which time zone you’re in, and just feel like a day at the beach, you’re in the perfect place.
Around half of the property’s rooms have views of the Arabian Gulf. And, pro tip – if you’re an InterContinental Ambassador member, you’re guaranteed a room upgrade. That membership costs US$225 per year and includes a free hotel night too, along with a bump to Platinum status in IHG One Rewards from your very first stay.
Once the heat subsides, I can’t resist the temptation for a late-night stroll along the beach after dinner. The evening weather is perfect.
2. Explore Mina Port
One of Doha’s newer and more colourful additions, Mina Port is a great place to cast your anchor on a spare afternoon. But it’s an even better place to wander on foot and take in some fresh air.
Peruse the many shops and enjoy a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants or cafes. From a previous trip, I’d suggest making a beeline for Crome. Mix your own delicious mocktail in a way that reminds of chemistry class, while nibbling on something scrumptious for dessert.
Here, even the local fish market is iconic and photogenic. But for a souvenir you can take home, take a stroll – it won’t be long until something catches your eye. You’re also just a short walk from the Doha Corniche, to make the most of your time near the waterfront.
Hot tip, if you’ll pardon the pun… bring a dark coloured umbrella. Not for the rain, but for the sun. You’ll fit right in with the locals, and help avoid getting burned by the desert sun.
3. Look and learn at the museums
Even if you’re not usually a ‘museum person’, consider broadening those horizons while you’re here in Doha. Perhaps, you’re more of an architecture person. You’d still get a lot out of a visit to the National Museum of Qatar and the Museum of Islamic Art.
Jean Nouvel’s design of the National Museum takes inspiration from the shape of the desert rose. (Not a packet of rice crackers – I’ve heard that one before!) Inside, there’s much to explore. Aviation buffs will be drawn to the Qatar Airways exhibits, including its historical liveries and the airline’s history. Spoiler alert: the first route to connect Australia and Qatar was Melbourne to Doha… sorry about that, Sydney!
The Museum of Islamic Art takes a different twist, with its stunning design drawing people into the space. But once you’ve taken in the high ceilings and the marvellous butterfly staircase, you’ll meander through exhibits that take you on a journey through the history of Islam.
I always believe that exploring a destination involves learning more about the local culture, history, and beliefs. Sometimes, it can take a while to get that understanding. Here, the museums make it a little easier to familiarise yourself with the basics, and that’s perfect if you’re only visiting for a couple of days.
4. The centre of Doha: Souq Waqif
No visit to Doha is complete without a wander through Souq Waqif. Whether you’re in the mood for sit-down food, dates and kunefe – or looking more for market wares, art, or just a buzzing atmosphere – you’ll find it here.
Stop past the sweets shop for a local favourite: rock-shaped chocolates. They’re the perfect sweet to keep on your desk at work. Especially when subtly dotted around a plastic plant. Unlike other chocolates and lollies, they won’t disappear quickly, ahem!
Ever held a falcon? You can do that here too. It costs the equivalent of just a few Aussie dollars – and credit card payment is fine as well. In fact, the entire time I’m in Qatar, I never touch paper money. Everywhere accepts credit card payments, and I don’t recall encountering a single surcharge. (Just be mindful of any charges levied by your own bank, or consider using a credit card that offers bonus points on international spends to get a better bang for your buck.)
5. Run wild on the sand dunes
If you’ve read some of my recent stories, you’ll know that I’m really not a morning person. Waking up early needs a very good reason. When I see that an adventure to the dunes means a 4:30am departure from the hotel… I can only think of the coffee I’ll need to survive the drive.
Why so early? Well, when the days can get to over 40°C during summer, you don’t want to be in the sun during those hottest hours. Especially if you’re hitting the dunes near the inland sea, where you can swim with a view towards Saudi Arabia.
Here’s what makes me laugh. On the way here, the driver follows every road rule. He indicates at every turn; he checks every blind spot. He drives to the speed limit, and never 1km/h over. But on the dunes… put it this way, you can tell he’s been looking forward to this all day. He’s been waiting for this very moment. And so have we!
Seatbelt? Check. Loose bags? Stored. Roof handles? Holding tightly! It’s pure chaos, but pure fun skidding a 4WD down the side of a dune as we race our companions to the next point. If you dare, let go with one hand and try to take a photo. See if you’re speedy and steady enough to avoid a blurry snap!
The (calmer…) drive back is also a fun way to learn more about local culture with our chatty chauffeur. More specifically, the art of Arabic coffee. The gestures, its symbolism, the pouring… For instance, the cup shouldn’t be too full. It’s the host’s duty to attentively keep it topped up. If you’re visiting somebody’s home and you happen to get a completely full cup, it’s time to leave and not return. (Ouch!)
Coffee keeps flowing until you tilt the cup backwards and forwards very quickly, a couple of times. That’s the unspoken signal for ‘thank you, I’ve had enough’. Clearly, I’m only just beginning to scratch the surface. A return to Doha is a must.
Also read: Virgin Australia x Qatar Airways Boeing 777 Qsuite Business Class review (Sydney – Doha)
Photography by Chris Chamberlin, who travelled as a guest of Virgin Australia, Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar. However, some photos and experiences are from previous trips or personal time at the author’s own expense.
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